History & Reputation

Lempertz is the oldest family owned auction house in Europe, with a history reaching back to 1798 as an antiquarian book shop that offered auctions. Officially founded as an auction house in 1845, the company has established an international reputation for auctioning significant art estates. Auctions with this house are offered in Cologne, Berlin, Brussels, and Monaco. The house also has branches and representatives in Munich, Zurich, New York, and São Paulo. Lempertz typically offers approximately 20 auction sales per year, and in 2014, hosted 25 live online auctions with Invaluable.com.

The auction house often sets records for its art sales. Notable sales include the 2014 sale of a Matteo Giovannetti painting for €2,700,000, a Gerhard Marcks sculpture for €390,000, and a contemporary Günther Uecker piece for €305,000.

Services & Staff

Sellers interested in a consignment auction with Lempertz are encouraged to start with a complimentary non-binding appraisal, offered online by email, in person at a Lempertz branch, or at a regularly scheduled appraisal day.

Lempertz auctions attract art buyers from around the world with important pieces spanning a number of different eras and cultures. Buyers can view current catalogues online, or purchase a print copy or subscription. Previews and condition reports are available upon request. Bidders may participate in the auction in person, as an absentee bidder, by telephone, or as a live bidder online with Invaluable.com.

The auction house is a member of the International Auctioneers group. This group unites the world's eight leading independent auction houses.